Cabaret

Everyone who goes to one of Pattaya’s ladyboy and transvestite revues leaves with an appreciation for the heightened glamour – and medical magic – that goes into them. Phenomenally popular, drawing busloads each night, these well-oiled spectacles entertain audiences with an elaborate mélange of tail-feathers, peacock headdresses,cheek-bone enhancing makeup and state-of-the-art surgery.

After initially heading down to the infamous resort city to document the sleazy nightlife, French photographer Simon Kolton recently managed to gain backstage access at both of the big ones, Alcazar and the better-known Tiffany’s. The result is a series that captures the showboating and the crude and rude behaviour that you might expect to find, but also the odd moment of introspection and vulnerability.

Initially meant for a book project and curated by Toot Yung Gallery’s Myrtille Tibayrenc, ‘Cabaret’ will be on show at Chez Pépin restaurant until March 30.